Currently reading: Honda Insight and CR-Z axed in UK
Honda's focus in Europe shifts to diesel as company confirms no new Insight and CR-Z models for UK

Honda's Insight and CR-Z have been axed in the UK. Company officials confirmed to Autocar that Honda will no longer be importing either the Insight or CR-Z into this country.

Reports also suggest Honda will be ending production of the Insight in Japan, with European dealers told to sell off their remaining stocks of the petrol-electric hybrid.

The first Insight was launched in 1999, becoming the first hybrid vehicle to go on sale in Europe. Its success was short-lived however, with the more successful Toyota Prius launched in September 2000.

According to industry journal Automotive News Europe, Honda had sold 280,629 units of the Insight globally by the end of 2013, with over 157,000 of those being sold in Japan. Figures from analysts Jato Dynamics show European sales of the Insight fell by 62 per cent in 2013.

While its short-term focus will now shift to its diesel range, Honda could expand its hybrid offering again as soon as 2015 when the new Jazz goes on sale. Badged as the Fit outside the UK, the new car will be offered with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine in standard form, but is also likely to be available as a hybrid. 

The hybrid Jazz is tipped to use a 1.5-litre engine mated to an electric motor, generating a combined 133bhp.

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Suzuki QT 27 February 2014

Hmmm ...

Have to agree with CornishGreg and others ... The crux of the Honda range is pitiful ... The Jazz (a misnomer if ever there was one), Civic (will they ever give it a pretty face?) and Accord (blink-and-miss styling) are woeful and only the slightly-interesting CR-V keeps interest alive ... As Myk says, the CR-Z is the jewel in this whole mess, but it has the wrong drivetrain ...
jason_recliner 26 February 2014

The mighty have fallen

A family friend was recently appointed sales manager at a local Honda dealership. I do not envy her one bit.
genesisofthesith 26 February 2014

Honda needs to decide what it wants it's identity to be.

Honda's mild-hybrid system makes more sense paired with a turbocharged engine to help cover any turbo lag. Make the hybrid a performance enhancement, not just a way to increase economy and decrease emissions during tests that don't translate to everyday driving.

I hope to see Honda making the Civic 5 door only and a new CRX as the 3 door variant with a turbocharged hybrid engine and really milking the McLaren connection.

Hell, get a skunkworks team to fit the McLaren 178bhp electric motor from the P1/Formula E in the Jazz and Civic with a small engine acting as a generator.